The Tamil Nadu government on Monday blamed the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras for large-scale death of animals, including the endangered blackbucks, and poor solid waste management disposal on its campus.
Filing an affidavit with the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal, Md. Nasimuddin, Principal Secretary, Environment and Forests Department, said data available with the Forest Department indicated large-scale mortality – 517 deaths of wild animals, including spotted deer and jackals, on the campus since 2010.
The government said the issue had been brought to the attention of the institute’s management by the Forest Department on several occasions. “The Forest Range Officer, Guindy National Park, has been undertaking weekly inspections inside the IIT campus and has been advising the authorities on appropriate action to be taken,” the affidavit said.
The Forest Department was taking legal action in case of a violation (wildlife death due to accident) against the person responsible under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, on the IIT campus, the affidavit said, but did not provide details of action taken.
The government also said that IIT-M must take action to reduce noise pollution during cultural festivals.
The Wildlife Warden, Guindy National Park, recommended a number of steps to IIT-M to prevent wildlife deaths. This includes safe disposal of solid waste including plastic, a full-fledged veterinary care unit for treating injured wild animals and a plan for management and protection of wildlife.
It also recommended a study be conducted by the IIT-M to assess the viability of the area of supporting wildlife.
“Based on the results of the study, segregated area exclusively for the wildlife, including blackbuck, needs to be established. The attack on blackbucks by stray dogs, residents feeding the animals and scavenging of the waste food is to be prevented,” the affidavit said.
The government said “the extreme steps of translocating/driving the blackbucks, spotted deer and jackals into the Guindy National Park may be considered”.
The affidavit listed the number of measures taken by the institute regarding solid waste management. It further said that a number of additional buildings were under construction for which “consent of the Board is yet to be obtained”.
Based on an inspection report by officials of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, plastic waste was noticed in areas such as near Krishna Gate, Velachery Gate and Sewage Treatment Plant area and it was brought to the notice of the IIT management.
